Isabella_Bride of Ohio

by Debra Parmley

  “Isabella.” His voice was commanding her attention and she looked over. There he stood.

  Mr. Donald Jenks.

  Taking long strides, he moved quickly to stand before her. She looked up and up into dark brown eyes beneath a hat which made him appear even taller.

  My goodness, but he is tall.

  “Isabella. I would have known you anywhere,” he said, taking off his hat.

  “But how?” She glanced about.

  But of course. There were no other short Swedish girls wearing their hair in Swedish braids, and it was a small train station in a small village in the country. Why, there were hardly any other passengers exiting the train. Eight at the most. Of course he’d had no trouble picking her out.

  Mr. Jenks smiled at her, his teeth flashing a brilliant white. “I would know you anywhere, my sweet. You are lovelier than I imagined.” He took her hand and, giving a deep gentleman’s bow, kissed the back of it.

  She blushed beneath his flattery and his kiss and was momentarily tongue tied. For an instant, she was back home, where this sort of thing was commonplace, and it shook her.

  “Thank you,” she said softly.

  He straightened up. “I trust your trip went well.”

  She froze, and a slight frown crossed her face.

  How do I tell him? This man I hardly know who will be my husband. How do I tell him the money he sent me was stolen from me?

  Seeing her distress, he was suddenly serious. “What is it, my dear?”

  She swallowed. “Well, I- I did run into some trouble at the station. Two men tried to grab me.”

  His hands grasped hers and pulled her closer. “I am so glad they did not succeed.”

  “I was lucky a man was there and stopped them.”

  Mr. Jenks squeezed her hands and smiled.

  My goodness, but he is handsome.

  “But someone stole my bag with all the money.”

  A flash of anger showed in his eyes. Tom’s words came back to her.

  He should be happy you’re safe and unharmed.

  But then that flash was gone, or perhaps she had imagined it, for he was now smiling down at her again.

  “The main thing is you are here now, safe and sound. I can always make more money.” He winked at her. “But you. You, my dear, are more valuable to me than a purse full of money.” He paused, taking her hand again and kissing the back of it, though without his deep bow. Somehow, it made this one seem more intimate. “You are irreplaceable.”

  “Oh thank you.” Relief flooded through her and her words rushed out.

  Why, he spoke as if money grew on trees and he would just go out and get some more. How strange for an accountant. What a funny sort of accountant he was. Oh, I am so glad he is not a stingy one or one who values money over people.

  “I am so glad you feel that way.”

  “But of course. You are to be my bride. Wouldn’t I treasure my new bride?”

  All this time, his eyes had never once broken contact with hers. She blushed. “I am glad you do.” She smiled happily.

  Tom was right about Mr. Donald Jenks. He doesn’t seem upset about the money. He is just happy to know I am safe and unharmed.

  “Now, let’s get you over to the resort and settled in. I’m sure you will want to freshen up and rest after your long journey. Then I will take you to dinner and show you some of the town.”

  “A resort? My goodness. I thought I would be in a small boarding house.”

  Putting his hat back on, he turned and set her hand in the bend of his elbow, just as Tom had done. “Only the best for you, my dear. The Neff House Park Summer Resort is quite popular. And that is where I am taking you to dinner.”

  “Oh, that sounds lovely! I had no idea there was a resort here.”

  Though now, I think it makes perfect sense. This is such beautiful countryside!

  “Yes,” he said, walking easily forward. “People come for the healing water of the springs and to relax. There are many nature trails here in Yellow Springs.”

  “Oh, I cannot wait to see them.” It was at that moment Isabella realized that, though he was so much taller, she was keeping up with him. When she paid attention, she noticed that he was shortening his stride.

  How pleasant it was to walk with him.

  “Then we shall put that on our list of things to do soon,” he said.

  At the Neff House, Mr. Jenks saw that her trunks were carried upstairs and that she was settled in her room and a hot bath ordered. Then with a tip of his hat he said, “I shall see you downstairs in two hours for dinner. That should be sufficient time to freshen and rest after your trip.”

  “Yes,” she smiled up at him. “That is perfect.”

  He kissed the back of her hand again and then turned to leave. She stood watching him go.

  What a handsome man he is. It is a wonder he is not married already. I cannot imagine why such a handsome gentleman would need to advertise for a bride. Any girl would be lucky to be his wife.

  She opened her trunk, pulling out the dress she would wear to dinner tonight and then went to enjoy her bath. A long hot soak was just the thing she needed, along with a fresh change of clothes.

  After her bath, Isabella pulled her mother’s wedding dress from the trunk and laid it across the bed before smoothing it down with her hands. The gown was simple but elegant, cream colored with Swedish lace made by her grandmother, who was an excellent hand at tatting. Mother had looked beautiful in the gown.

  Also in the trunk was a sketch her father had made of her mother wearing the gown. Isabella pulled the sketch out and looked at it briefly before placing it back amongst her treasures. She did not know the story behind the sketch, but the love her father felt toward her mother was evident within the lines.

  Oh, how I wish for a love like that. For a marriage which would be a blessing to last all time even up to heaven.

  She blinked back a few tears and then smiled, imagining her parents together, smiling, looking down on her, giving her their blessing on her upcoming marriage. If all went well, she would soon be married and settled down in this charming village with a house and even a garden.

  Slipping the dress on she looked into the mirror. The gown fit perfectly and gave her comfort. She ran her hands down the side of her hips and moved from side to side, smiling, watching herself in the mirror as the dress swished and moved with her.

  Ever since she was a small girl she had dreamed of the wedding she would someday have. She would be wearing this dress and her handsome groom would gaze into her eyes as if she were the most beautiful creature in the world.

  Could her childhood dream possibly be coming true? Mr. Donald Jenks was so handsome, so tall and just having him look at her made her feel all aflutter.

  Slipping out of the gown, she placed it on the bed and prepared to meet Donald for dinner.

  Though he’d given her two hours, the time went by quickly, and soon she was hurrying to dress again. She mustn’t be late to meet him. He seemed like a punctual and precise man, which of course made sense with him being an accountant.

  He stood waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. True to his apparent nature, he was looking at his pocket watch. As he snapped it shut, he looked up and locked eyes with her. Smiling, he said, “You look lovely.”

  “Thank you.”

  He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

  “Yes.” She placed her hand in the bend of his arm and they went to the dining room. The resort was busier than she would have expected in November and the dining room was full of diners and the tinkle of silverware, plates and glasses. She looked about, taking it all in.

  “The food here is very good,” he said. “I am sure you will enjoy it.”

  “I am sure I shall.” He held out her chair and she sat.

  Their waiter handed them both menus. “May I order for you?” Donald asked.

  Surprised, Isabella looked up at him. “Why yes, I suppose.”

  He gave a brisk
nod and then turning to the waiter said, “The lady will have the lettuce salad, the baked trout with fine herbs, rice croquettes, asparagus tips, and for dessert we will view your selection of pies.”

  “Very good sir.” The waiter gave a nod. “And for you?”

  “Consommé of game, the fillet of beef, braised potatoes, peas, and a dish of your salted almonds while we wait. Also, send the wine steward over.”

  “Excellent.” The waiter turned and went to the kitchen.

  “I do hope you like fish.”

  Isabella smiled. “We Swedes eat quite a bit of fish. You might not care for some of them.”

  “Oh, yes? Why is that?”

  “Lutfisk is an acquired taste.” She spread her napkin across her lap and smoothed it with her hands. “It is made with white fish such as cod and lye. The fish is soaked for five or six days and becomes gelatinous. Of course before it is served it is soaked in cold water another five days and is quite safe to eat.”

  Mr. Jenks gave a sigh. “I believe I shall pass on that one.”

  She laughed. “I thought you might. But it is safe to eat. Truly it is.”

  “I will take your word for it and then,” he winked, “Because you like it, I shall give my portion to you.”

  Just then, the wine steward arrived. “Good evening sir.” He handed Mr. Jenks the wine menu.

  “Good evening.” He took the menu, gave a brief glance, and ordered the house wine.

  “Very good sir,” the steward replied. After he left, Mr. Jenks turned back to Isabella.

  She grinned, her eyes flashing. “Now surstromming, that is Swedish for sour herring. It is simply soaked in salt, but it is soaked for six months and develops a smell.”

  He chuckled. “You may find our trout rather plain after such delicacies as you are accustomed to.”

  “Oh I am sure it shall be delicious.” She grinned again. “I confess I was sharing the ones which are the most difficult for those who are not Swedish to become accustomed to.”

  “Trying to scare me off, are you?”

  “Oh no.” Her eyes widened. “Not at all.”

  “Good. Because it won’t work.” He placed his hand over hers. “I am smitten.”

  Her entire face heated as she felt other diners watching them.

  “Well,” she said softly. “I shall promise to only serve a dish to you once and if you do not care for it then I shan’t offer it again.”

  Before he could reply, the first dishes arrived, with the wine. He squeezed her hand and let go.

  Picking up his fork he said, “I have hired a woman to act as housekeeper and cook for the first month as you settle in, so you’d needn’t worry about what to serve me.”

  Well my goodness. I won’t have anything to do if someone else is doing all the cooking and the cleaning. Gardening perhaps, but we are moving into winter. Not the season for gardening.

  “How thoughtful of you. But you needn’t do that. I can do all those things.”

  With a wave of his hand, he said, “I already brought her in, to get the house ready for you.” He spoke as if that was the final end of it.

  Isabella leaned back in her chair, not used to such a tone. Her father had been a man who discussed everything, explaining it to her rather than simply announcing it. The decision to come to America had been discussed for months. She took a sip of wine.

  “I might have preferred helping you select the staff,” she said tentatively in a soft voice.

  He watched her for a moment and then smiled. “My dear, I understand. You have been fending for yourself since setting foot in America. But now you can relax and leave everything to me.”

  Relax and leave everything to him. That does sound good.

  A part of her relaxed into her chair at the thought.

  “My wife shall have the best of everything I can offer her,” he continued with a flourish. “I have also engaged a young woman to act as lady’s maid the day of our wedding, if you should say yes.” He smiled.

  There seems to be no reason not to say yes, but I just arrived.

  “I have only just arrived,” she voiced half of her thoughts, keeping the rest to herself.

  “Yes and I understand this is not the time to ask you. It is not easy, but I will be patient.” He pointed to her plate. “How is the trout?”

  “Oh very good.” She picked up her fork again. “Everything is delicious. You chose well.”

  “I always do, my dear. In time you will learn to trust me and my decisions.”

  After dinner, Mr. Jenks said, “Would you like to see the house in the morning? The home which will be yours if you accept my marriage proposal?”

  She sat up straighter, excited. “Oh, yes, I would. I would very much like to see it.”

  He nodded. “Very good. We shall make an early start, after breakfast and then after I show you the house, we shall drive to Springfield and I will show you the company I work for.”

  “Why do you live so far from where you work?”

  Leaning back, he replied, “The country air and peace and quiet of course. I like a quiet home, not one filled with visitors constantly coming and going. I was pleased to learn you too would enjoy quiet country living. A wife who wished to entertain constantly would not be the right wife for me.”

  “Oh I have no wish to entertain constantly. Though I do like to have friends visit for tea.”

  “Of course, my dear, of course. After the honeymoon you may have as many people over as you like, for tea or whatever else your heart desires. Until then, I want you all to myself.”

  She blushed deeply.

  He wants me all to himself. Oh my.

  Looking up beneath lowered lashes she said, “I’m fine with just you and me for now.”

  “Very good.” He leaned in and said, “You blush so prettily. I must see that you do that often.”

  She blushed even more. “Well, I... You do seem to bring it out in me.”

  “Good.” He winked. Then he placed his napkin on the table. “Shall we go for a short stroll? Or do you wish to go back to your room? I don’t want to overtire you.”

  “I would love a walk tomorrow. I confess this wonderful dinner and the wine has me full and relaxed tonight. I am looking forward to a good bed in a room which does not rock. The train was enjoyable but it is nice to have ground beneath my feet which is not moving.”

  “Very well then.” He nodded. “I shall escort you to your room.”

  At the door, the key did not work well in the lock, so Mr. Jenks said, “Here. Allow me.” He took the key from her and, with a strong turn, opened the door. Then, swinging it open, he glanced inside the room. Seeing the wedding dress on the bed he appeared surprised.

  Seeing his expression, Isabella said, “I was just smoothing out my mother’s wedding dress. Making sure everything was all right. But,” she stepped in front of him in an attempt to block his view. “It’s bad luck to see the wedding dress before the wedding and I want to surprise you.”

  He looked over her head toward the dress and frowned. “I am not fond of surprises.” He stepped inside, ignoring her wish for him to wait to see the dress, and moved over to the bed as she followed him. “No.” He shook his head. “This won’t do. The dress is too plain and old fashioned. And it has yellowed. What would people think?”

  Isabella stopped, stunned and hurt by his words. Then she spoke. “It isn’t yellowed. It has always been this cream colored. I have taken good care of it.”

  Could he not see the beauty in the dress or understand how much it would mean to me to wear it?

  Mr. Jenks continued. “I have a position to maintain. I won’t have my bride wearing an old, borrowed dress.”

  Isabella stood very still, unsure about the way things were now going.

  Everything had been going so well, until now. What if we are not compatible?

  Chapter Five

  Mr. Jenks smiled and warmth came back into his voice. “I see we have already had our first lover’s quarr
el.” He reached for her hands. “You appear distraught, darling. It is only a dress. I will take you to Madame Boulange’s Shop in Springfield and buy you a proper gown.”

  Isabella, torn by her desire to wear her mother’s wedding dress and her wish to please her future husband, gave him her hands, but furrowed her brow.

  A proper gown.

  “I will buy you any number of dresses, as many dresses as you want, but please, for me, just this once, allow me to adorn you like the beautiful and elegant woman you are, so that I might show you off to all my friends and business associates.”

  His business associates. His position. Oh. He wanted a society wedding and I had imagined a little country wedding. Of course he has his position to consider.

  She looked into his eyes which were beseeching her, while his hands gently rubbed hers.

  “I, I suppose…” she took a breath and then said, “I shall sleep on it. We have much to discuss before there can be a wedding.”

  “But of course, my darling.” He kissed the back of her hand. “Sleep well then until the morrow. I shall see you again at breakfast.”

  “Yes. Thank you… Donald.”

  He gave her a deep smile. “That is what I like to hear.”

  She walked him to the door. “Good night.”

  “Good night, my sweet.”

  She closed the door and moved over to the window to watch for him to come out of the building. Tired but restless, she wished she were more familiar with the town, enough so that she could go for a walk to clear her head.

  Their first lover’s quarrel. Yes, she supposed it was, though it was more of a disagreement than a quarrel. She had merely explained that the dress was not yellowed. It had not felt quarrelsome to her, she had only been trying to explain about the dress to him.

  Isabella was not one for raising her voice or getting angry. As father said, there was no need for shouting as it did not make one’s argument any more valid simply by raising the volume in the room. Theirs had been a peaceful household given to books and quiet discussion.

  I’m glad Donald is not the sort to raise his voice. If this is how we shall quarrel, then we shall have a peaceable house.